COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLES OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND INCREASED MINORITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW

Click above to see copy of
JFB's Founding Letter

Founder's Day Celebration

On May 6, 1977 the resolution establishing the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Inc. was adopted by fifteen (15) courageous men and one (1) woman:

This group of Maryland Attorneys met with a view toward organizing a Black Law Club to develop and further the interest of attorneys practicing in the Maryland suburban jurisdictions surrounding the Washington Metropolitan Area.

In recognition of their foresight and audacity, Past Presidents, Elizabeth Hewlett and Midgett Parker, a very special program in tribute to our founding members was presented on Thursday, May 17, 2007, the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.

On Thursday, May 17, 2007, our membership was treated to a rare look back into our history courtesy of 9 of 16 JFB Founding Members. The Honorable Alexander Williams, Jr., Paris A. Artis, Othello G. Jones Jr., Lawrence Harbin, Samuel C. Hamilton, Joseph L. Gibson, Ronald C. Hill, Tillman L. Gerald, and Janet D. Webb took us back to a time when it was difficult for an African American attorney to walk the halls of the court house free from racial prejudice. Court house staff, majority practitioners and even judges were less than courteous when dealing with minority lawyers. Yet, through it all, they persevered and left for us the legacy of Bourne. While from amongst our membership ranks, many have been able to achieve the title of being First In History, we must not neglect those who will follow us. WE KNOW WHERE WE aRE GOING BECAUSE WE KNOW WHERE WE ARE FROM. Kudos to co-chairs, Elizabeth Hewlett and Midgett Parker, for making our 30th anniversary an unforgettable affair! Thanks also to our sponsors: Midgett S. Parker, Shipley & Horne, P.A., William H. Murphy, Jr. & Associated, Gingles, LLC and Shadoan, Michael and Wells, LLP.

About Us

The J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association Inc. is committed to legal excellence, community service, and the advancement of African- American minorities in the legal profession. Our membership consists primarily of African-American attorneys who live and/or work in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

Our bar association carries out our objectives through various committees. Members are encouraged to participate on committees responsible for considering judicial nominations, identifying scholarship candidates, organizing special programs and speakers, just to name a few.

Through a varied and active network of committees, the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, serves the African American legal community by its:

• Annual Scholarship Banquet
• Annual Golf Tournament
• Annual High School Oratorical Contest
• Monthly membership meetings
• Continuing Legal Education programs
• . and a host of other activities

October Newsletter
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President's Message
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Billy Martin Featured at Scholarship Awards Banquet
November 5, 2009
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JFB Pro Bono Legal Clinics Bowie & Takome Park
October 31, 2009
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JFB Election Nominations
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JFB General Body Meeting & ELECTIONS
November 19, 2009
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FOR THE BAR'S GOOD
Chief & Administrative Judge Missouri's Orders affecting the 7th Judicial Circuit
CLICK HERE

Billy Murphy's Ultimate Trial Lawyer Reading List
CLICK HERE

With
Howard U. Sch. of Law
&
Black Women's Bar Association of Suburban Maryland